Former Rangers player and SFA chief, Gordon Smith, has issued a challenge to Alfredo Morelos, as quoted by the Scottish Herald.
Morelos endured a tough time in the League Cup final at Hampden on Sunday, having a penalty and a host of other efforts saved by opposition keeper Fraser Forster.
Smith has asserted that his failure to score will have hurt some in the Gers support and that the only way to get back onside is to get back amongst the goals.
“I think some fans will be unhappy, despite everything, because Sunday was the game they wanted to win,” he said, as quoted by the Scottish Herald. “It’s a cup final against Celtic and he’s thrown it away. Despite what he’s done in other games, some fans might hold it against him.”
“So to a certain degree he’ll have to redeem himself. The game against Young Boys is a good opportunity to show he’s over it and can handle it.
“If he does that against Young Boys the fans will very much appreciate that and it’ll be very good for him as well. We need to see, before the next Old Firm game, that he’s over it.”
Verdict
There’s no doubt that the League Cup final was a frustrating watch for all Gers fans.
Given how many chances Morelos had, he would have been expected to score at least two or three and his failure to do so was tough to take.
Yet, there’s never been any lack of endeavour on the Colombian’s part and given his incredible other exploits this season, particularly in Europe, there’s no doubt he’ll get a superb reception at Ibrox tonight.
Smith has asserted it’s all about El Bufalo proving he is over the disappointment of the final ahead of the next derby.
Yet, to say that is to belittle the run that the Gers have until then. The rest of the month isn’t about gearing up for that game, but ensuring that the club are still involved in Europe and still in touch in terms of the Premiership table.
With trips to Motherwell and Hibs following the Young Boys clash, there’s plenty of hard work to do before the 29th.
While you’re here, why not check out our Europa League Preview on our YouTube channel.
